Open an inspection station

Important: If you would like to apply to have an official public emissions inspection station you may be subject to the Public Emissions Inspection State Cap. Please read Inspection Station Cap Information before you apply.

How do I open an Inspection Station?

To become a licensed Inspection Station by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in New York State

If you are applying to be a Public Inspection Station you must also have a registered repair shop at that location. See Open a Repair Shop or Body Shop for further requirements.

You can also call the Office of Vehicle Safety and Clean Air at 1-518-474-4653 to get the forms, or call 1-518-474-0919 to get more information.

What do I need to send with my application?

Your completed Original Facility Application must include

proof that you have permission to use the property at the business location (notarized statement from property owner, lease (may be contingent on facility approval), sub-lease with primary lease, mortgage, deed or receipted tax bill)

The Certificate of Authority and Sales Tax ID number are issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF). You may apply by visiting the NYS DTF website. Be sure to record your Sales Tax ID on the Original Facility Application.

I do not have my Proof of Business name yet, what do I do?

Do not submit an application with DMV yet!

Corporations and LLCs: You must submit a copy of your Filing Receipt from the Department of State. Instructions to file can be found on the NYS Department of State website.

Partnerships and Individuals Using an Assumed Name: You must submit a copy of your “Business Certificate of Assumed Name”. Contact your county clerk to obtain your business certificate.

I do not have proof of Workers Compensation Insurance yet, what do I do?

Do not submit an application with DMV yet!

If you have any employees, such as a certified Inspector (family included), you must submit proof of Workers Compensation Insurance. You can visit the NYS Workers Compensation Board website for instructions on this process. If you do not have any employees, indicate that on your application.

A clerk from DMV's Vehicle Safety’s Application Processing Unit will contact you. Once your application is reviewed for completeness at our Albany office, it will be sent to a regional office for review. The regional office will contact you to schedule an on-site investigation.

What can I expect at my on-site investigation?

When the automotive facilities inspector (AFI) arrives to inspect your facility, they will be checking that you have the following items

permanently mounted signs visible from the street (the AFI will deny your application if the signs are not clearly visible)

proof of identification for everyone named on the application (driver license or other government issued photo ID)

In addition to the items listed above, the AFI will be examine your location for these characteristics

a mailbox at the business address dedicated to your business only (mailboxes shared with other businesses or entities are not acceptable)

If approved, you will be issued a license once you have purchased the Computerized Vehicle Inspection System (for those stations inspecting group 1a vehicles).

How do I purchased the Computerized Vehicle Inspection System (CVIS)?

Only stations that inspect group 1a vehicles are required to have a CVIS. Opus Inspection is the current vendor providing the equipment to New York State inspection stations. To sign the station agreement and order equipment visit www.nyvip.org For additional information Opus Inspection can be reached at (866) 623-8378.

How do I get an official inspection station sign?

DMV does not provide official inspection station signs. You may purchase these signs from various sign shops and automotive supply stores. Your sign requirements will differ based on the types of vehicles you will be inspecting. See Motor Vehicle Inspection Regulations CR-79 (79.13) for specific requirements.